Randomized controlled trial - definition

Randomized controlled trial:

an experiment where participants are randomly assigned to either a group that receives an intervention or a control group to whom the intervention is not given (often it is substituted with a placebo). Randomized controlled trials, or RCTs, are considered the "gold standard" in scientific experimentation, and they are the best available approach for assessing the effectiveness of an intervention (e.g. a drug, therapeutic approach, etc.). Because the treatment and control groups are alike on average in an RCT, differences between the two groups after treatment can generally be attributed to the intervention.

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Neuroscientifically Challenged is a neuroscience learning resource. In addition to a blog that discusses science current events in a non-technical manner, you will also find a number of videos and articles that you can use to learn about basic principles of science and the brain.